Spiced Southwest Chicken🍖 Main

Name: Spiced Southwest Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 3 tbsp light flavored olive oil, divided; 2 tbsp chili powder; 2 tsp cumin; 1 tsp kosher salt, adjust to taste; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder; 1/2 tsp granulated onion or onion powder; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

This zesty chicken dish delivers robust Southwestern seasonings and succulent taste. Use it as a versatile centerpiece for finger foods, rolled sandwiches, or fresh greens.

By Sarah Chen, Home Cook Enthusiast

Prep: 10 minCook: 10 minServes: 4

main course american quick spicy chicken

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Good Mexican-inspired cooking is all about bold flavors and fresh ingredients coming together without fuss, and this recipe captures that spirit perfectly. This spiced southwest chicken is the kind of meal that gets everyone to the table fast — it is vibrant, satisfying, and endlessly customizable to suit your household's tastes.

Add the garlic after the other aromatics have softened — it burns faster than onions and can turn bitter if it hits high heat for too long.

Set out the toppings buffet-style and let everyone build their own — it is half the fun and means everyone gets exactly what they want. This recipe also works beautifully as a base for burrito bowls, nachos, or a loaded quesadilla the next day.

Ingredients

2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 tbsp light flavored olive oil, divided
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp kosher salt, adjust to taste
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder
1/2 tsp granulated onion or onion powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Nutrition (Per 4 servings)*

384

Calories

45g

Protein

Carbs

21g

Fat

Fiber

854mg

Sodium

* AI-estimated values only — not a substitute for professional nutrition labeling.

Instructions

Dice the chicken into small pieces, approximately 3/4"-1" in size. Set aside in a medium size bowl. In a small dish or measuring cup, combine all of the spices. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and all of the spices to the bowl with the chicken. Toss well to combine. Let rest for at least 10 minutes.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a very large skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Saute, turning or stirring constantly, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. This will take just a few minutes. Take care not to overcook the chicken.
Remove the chicken pieces from the pan when they are finished cooking. Because the pieces are small, they will dry out if left in the hot pan.